Apparatus for milling faces of masonry blocks

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supporting masonry blocks on a bed and gripping them between a row of movable powered members and a row of opposed support or thrust members, to continuously feed the blocks into a cutter station and between two parallel diamond set milling cutters that simultaneously mill opposed faces of each block to the desired gauge and parallelism, the finished blocks discharging from the cutter station.

United States Patent [191 Mori [451 Nov. 11,1975

1 1 APPARATUS FOR MILLING FACES OF MASONRY BLOCKS [75] Inventor: TakeshiMori, Salt Lake City, Utah [73] Assignee: Christensen Diamond ProductsCompany, Salt Lake City, Utah 22 Filed: June 10,1974

21 Appl. No.: 477,633

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 286,035,Sept. 5, 1972,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 51/80 A; 125/3 [51] Int. C1. B2413 9/06 [58] Field ofSearch 51/80 R, 80 A, 81 R, 87 R, 51/76; 125/3 [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS Funk 125/26 2,671,992 3/1954 Reaser 51/803,136,094 6/1964 Reaser 51/76 3,150,469 9/1964 Berenbak... 51/803,166,874 l/l965 Bottcher 51/87 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS1,801,337 9/1970 Germany 125/3 Primtu v E.\'aminerI-Iaro1d D. WhiteheadAttorney, Agent, or FirmBernard Kriegel ABSTRACT Apparatus forsupporting masonry blocks on a bed and gripping them between a row ofmovable powered members and a row of opposed support or thrust members,to continuously feed the blocks into a cutter station and between twoparallel diamond set milling cutters that simultaneously mill opposedfaces of each block to the desired gauge and parallelism, the finishedblocks discharging from the cutter station.

30 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 12 US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 US.Patent N0v.'1 1, 1975 Sheet20f12 3,918,210

U.S. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet30f12 3,918,210

0 Ill \QQ r- K m R Q wk mw l I wk U.S. Patant Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet4 of 123,918,210

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet5 of 12 3,918,210

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U.S. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet6 of 12 3,918,210

US. Patent N0v.11, 1975 Sheet7of12 3,918,210

US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet8of 12 3,918,210

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 9 of 12 US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 10of 12 3,918,210

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 11 of 12 3,918,210

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 12 oflZ 3,918,210

' ished in several different manners. One mode included the positioningof each block on a bed and pulling the block with a drag chain across acutting unit to provide the finished block surface, the chain beingreturned to its initial position to pull the next block across thecutting unit. Another method of finishing a block face is to clamp theblock to a table that is shifted to move the block across the cuttingunit, the table being returned to its initial position to receive thenext block. The prior apparatus is intermittent in its operation and hasa relatively low production rate. In addition, only a single block facemay be cut at a time, requiring a plurality of sequential operations onthe block in the event its opposed mortar receiving faces are to befinished to their required parallelism and with the block having therequired height. In fact, the production of opposed parallel surfaces onmasonry blocks and their finishing to the desired height has beendifficult to accomplish, particularly in an economical manner. a

By virtue of the present invention, an apparatus is provided having acontinuously moving mechanism for feeding blocks toward and betweenopposed cutters for simultaneously finishing opposed faces of each blockto a desired shape and surface finish, the blocks also being produced tothe desired height or other dimension, and with the opposed facesparallel to each other. As a result, the apparatus has a high productionrate, being capable of producing blocks passing through the apparatus ofconsistent dimensions and shape, and with a high degree of accuracy,over an extended period. By properly selecting the cutters used in theapparatus, the opposed sides of the blocks can be faced or surfaced andcorners or other parts of the blocks cut simultaneously, therebyavoiding separate operations and perhaps separate equipment. Theapparatus is readily adjustable to accommodate blocks of differentwidths and of different heights.

In general, the masonry or other blocks are placed on a bed ofsupporting rollers at the rear of the apparatus, the blocks being pushedforwardly until their opposed sides are gripped between a row of poweredpads, or the like, at one side and a row of supporting rollers at 'theother side. The powered pads move the blocks positively along the bedtoward a cutter station where an upper roller, or the like, is held incontact with the upper face of each block, thereby holding it firmlyagainst the bottom supporting rollers, such block then being held on allfour sides (i.e., top, bottom and opposed sides) as it moves through thecutter station, where upper and lower rotating cutters simultaneouslyface the top and bottom of each block, the finished block dischargingforwardly from the cutter station. As noted above, appropriately shapedcutters are mounted in the apparatus. The opposed faces of each blockcan be milled to the desired gauge simultaneously with the chamfering orbevelling of the longitudinal corners of each block. The spacing betweenthe row of powered pads and the row of supporting rollers can be variedto accommodate different widths of blocks. Moreover,

the distance between the upper and lower cutters can be varied toaccommodate blocks of different heights. The cutters are also adjustablewith respect to each other to insure the production of parallel top andbottom surfaces on each block.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposeswhich may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a formin which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawingsaccompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will nowbe described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the generalprinciples of the invention; but it is to be understood that suchdetailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus embodying theinvention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a finished masonry or concrete block;

FIG. 3 is a vertical view taken along the line 3-3 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal view taken along the line 4-4 on FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5a and 5b together constitute a vertical view of the apparatustaken along the line 5-5 on FIG. 4, FIG. 5b constituting a forwardhorizontal extension of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the drivingconnection between one of the drive sprockets for moving a row ofdriving pads along the apparatus to feed the blocks in a forwarddirection;

FIG. 7 is a vertical view, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line7-7 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a vertical end view taken along the line 8-8 on FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section taken along the line 9-9 on FIG.

FIG. 10 is a section taken along the line 10-10 on FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a section taken along the line 11-11 on FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a section taken along the line 12-12 on FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a section taken along the line 13-13 on FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 disclosing the adjustment of partsto a different position;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 disclosing the parts having beenadjusted to still another position;

FIG. 16 is a vertical view taken along the line 16-16 on FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 is a view of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7,and disclosing a row of blocks passing between the top and bottomcutters and being milled thereby;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section illustrating thebottom cutters milling upon the lower portion of the block;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary section taken along the line 19-19 on FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a vertical transverse section taken along the line 20-20 onFIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a horizontal view of the exit slide portion of the apparatustaken along the line 21-21 on FIG.

FIG. 22 is a cross-section, with sides shown in side elevation, takenalong the line 2222 on FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is a vertical sectional view, with parts shown in sideelevation, taken along the line 2323 on FIG. 7.

In the apparatus illustrated in the drawings, a row of masonry blocks B,such as concrete blocks, are mounted on a lower bed and clamped betweena row of vertically arranged side support rollers 11 engaging the sidefaces 12 of the row of blocks on one side and a row of driving members13 engageable against the other side 14 of the row of blocks, thedriving member and side support rollers gripping the opposed faces 12,14 of the blocks to propel them from the rear of the apparatus forwardlytoward a cutter station C at which the top and bottom faces 15, 16 ofthe blocks are milled simultaneously, the blocks then being shiftedforwardly onto an exit slide S and then onto a forward set of horizontalrollers 19b (FIG. 5b) to a location where they can be withdrawn from theapparatus.

The apparatus includes a framework 18 having a plurality of adjacentbottom rollers 19 rotatable about axes normal to the direction of travelof a concrete block. These bottom supporting rollers extend from therear of the machine to the cutter station C. They are each rotatablymounted on a shaft 20 (FIG. 23) through suitable intervening bearings(not shown), the shaft being supported on vertical standards 21 suitablyaffixed to a bottom horizontal subframe 22, which is, in turn,vertically adjustable with respect to the horizontal bottom portion 23of the main frame by means of adjusting screws 24. By suitableadjustment of the screws, the row of bottom supporting rollers 19 can beaccurately positioned to support the blocks B horizontally for movementthrough the apparatus to the cutter station C.

The blocks are driven in a forward direction along the horizontalsupport rollers 19 by a longitudinally extending drive mechanism 25,including a plurality of closely spaced vertical drive pads 13 thatextend laterally from an endless chain 27 passing over and meshing witha sprocket 28 at the rear portion of the frame 18, and a forwardsprocket 29 disposed forwardly of the discharge end of the apparatusforwardly of the exit slide device S (FIG. 4). The plurality ofvertically arranged pads 13 extend laterally inwardly of the apparatus,being secured to the links of the chain, the links and pads beingsupported by a stationary horizontal support plate 30 extendinglongitudinally along the frame and suitably secured thereto, and withrollers 31 of the links bearing against the vertical inner surface of aguide rail 32 suitably secured to the machine frame. The chain 27 isdriven at the appropriate speed by rotating the forward sprocket 29about its vertical axis through a suitable drive mechanism, which mayinclude an electric motor 35 operating through a suitable variable speedgear reducer 36, to drive a sprocket 37 over which passes a chain 38that transmits its motion to another sprocket 39 secured to acountershaft 40. Fixed to the shaft 40 is yet another sprocket 41driving a chain 42 passing over a driven sprocket 43 secured to a shaft44 to which the forward sprocket 29 is secured (FIG. 4), which moves thechain 27 and its pressure pads 13 from the rear to the front of theapparatus, the chain being endless and passing from the forward sprocketback around the rearward sprocket.

The sides 14 of the blocks are pressed against the drive pads 13 by arow of vertical side support rollers 11 mounted adjacent one another andadapted to bear against the opposite sides 12 of the blocks. Throughsuitable bearings (not shown), each of the side support rollers 11 ismounted upon a vertical shaft 50, which, in turn, is affixed to upperand lower parallel elongate mounting plates 51 that straddle anintervening support plate 52 suitably affixed to the main frame 18 ofthe machine. The opposed mounting plates have cut-out portions 53 atspaced intervals along their length to straddle parts of the supportframe 18 and to permit lateral adjustment of the mounting plates withrespect to the support plate. Horizontal adjusting screws 54 (FIGS. 3,4) at the forward and rearward ends of the mounting plates 51 arerotatably mounted in the frame, each of these adjusting screws beingthreadedly received within a suitable nut 55 extending between andsecured to the upper and lower mounting plates 51. By turning theadjusting screws in the proper direction, the mounting plates and therow of vertical side support rollers 11 rotatably secured thereto can bemoved toward and from the row of drive pads 13, in order to accommodatethe width of the particular blocks that are to be moved along thehorizontal bed of rollers 19. As is evident from FIG. 3, the rollers 19are substantially longer than the width of the blocks, enabling blocksof varying widths to be accommodated on the apparatus. The screws 54 areadjusted to provide the proper horizontal spacing between the sidesupport rollers l1 and the drive pads 13 and to clamp the blocks Btherebetween as they are being moved by the drive pads forwardly alongthe bed of bottom rollers 19 and through the cutting station C.Preferably, the block engaging surfaces of the drive pads 13 have a softelastomer surface, such as provided by polyurethane; whereas, the rimportions of the side support rollers 11 are made of a hard elastomermaterial, such as polyurethane. Additionally, the rims of the bottomrollers 19 are made of a soft elastomer material, such as polyurethane,to accomdate irregularities in the bottom face of each block. As aresult, the elastomer surfaces yield slightly to insure firm engagementof the block by the bottom rollers and firm gripping of the blocksbetween the side support rollers 11 and the drive pads 13, therebyinsuring their positive feeding along the bottom roller bed toward andthrough the cutter station C.

It is to be noted (FIG. 4) that one or two of the rear side supportrollers 11a are spaced laterally from the row of drive pads 13, whentheir associated chain link rollers 31 engage the guide rail 32, adistance greater than the width of a block, leaving an entry gap intowhich the blocks can pass prior to engaging the side support rollers 11forwardly of the retracted rollers 11a, where they will then becomeclamped between the side support rollers and the pads.

When the blocks B reach the cutter station C, they pass between an upperrotatable milling cutter and a lower rotatable milling cutter 61. Asdisclosed most clearly in FIG. 20, the lower cutter 61 is affixed to asuitable arbor or horizontal shaft 62 extending transversely of theapparatus and suitably supported through bearings 63 in bearing supports64 affixed to the frame 18 of the apparatus. The perimeter of therotatable cylindrical milling cutter 61 will extend slightly above thebottom face 16 of the blocks when resting on the bottom supportingrollers 19, so as to remove material from the bottom of the block andproduce a finished bottom face thereon. As specifically disclosed, thecutter may have bevelled outer portions'65 for producing a correspondingbevel 66 along the longitudinal lower edges of each block.

The upper rotatable milling cutter is suitably secured to an arbor 67rotatably mounted through suitable bearings (not shown) on bearingsupports 68 and having a shaft portion extending therefrom. This cutter60 is rotatable about a horizontal axis 69 which is forward of avertical plane passing through the axis 70 of the lower cutter 61. Itsperimeter will extend slightly below the upper surface 15 of each blockto be finished, so as to remove a required amount of material therefrom,and thereby provide a finished top face 16 on each block. If desired,and as illustrated in the drawings, the upper cutter may also have sidebevelled portions 65 adapted to cut away the upper longitudinal cornersof the block and provide companion longitudinal bevels 66 therealong.

The upper rotatable cutter 60 is suitably driven from a top arbor motor72 mounted on the frame (FIG. 1), the motor shaft being secured to adrive pulley 73 having belts 74 passing therearound which also passaround pulleys 75 affixed to the upper arbor shaft 67. Similarly, abottom arbor motor 76 is suitably secured to the frame 18, having drivepulleys 77 around which belts 78 pass that also pass around drivenpulleys 79 secured to the lower arbor shaft 62. The upper and lowercutters 60, 61 are rotated at the desired speed to cut the top andbottom portions 15, 16 of the blocks as they pass forwardly through thecutter station C. The cutters themselves and the cuttings arecontinuously removed by suitable flushing liquid passing through upperand lower manifolds 80, 81 extending across and parallel to the cuttersand having nozzles 82 therein for discharging the liquid against theperipheries of the cutters, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Suitablehoses 83 conduct the liquid to the manifolds 80, 81, the water andcuttings dropping into suitable trays 84 affixed to the frame 18 andunderlying the bed 10, 'cutter station C, and exit slide S.

The desired vertical spacing between the upper and lower cutters 60, 61is achieved through the vertical adjustability of the upper cutterelative to the lower cutter. As disclosed in FIGS. 7, 8/and 17, theupper cutter and its arbor are mounted in a subframe 85 that includesvertical standards 86 secured to a transverse head 87 having a threadednut 88 mounted centrally therein. A feed screw shaft 89 extendsvertically through the nut, with the upper end 90 of the shaft beingrotatable in a crosshead 91 suitably affixed to the 'frame of themachine. Secured to the upper feed-screw shaft is a worm wheel 92resting upon a roller thrust bearing 93, which, in turn, rests upon theframe crosshead 91 to support the subframe 85 and the cutter 60 in thevertical position to which it has been adjusted. Such adjustment iseffected by. rotating a crank 94 (FIG. 16) secured to a shaft 95rotatably mounted in suitable bearing supports 96 of the framework, thisshaft being affixed to a worm 97 meshingwith the .worm wheel 92. Bysuitably rotating the crank 94 and the worm 97 in the appropriatedirection, the feed screw 89 is rotated to correspondingly elevate orlower the subframe 84 and the upper cutter device rotatably mountedthereon. After the desired adjustment has been secured, which willprovide the desired vertical spacing between the lower cutter 61 and theupper cutter 60, clamp screws 98 secured to the framework 18 andextending through longitudinal slots 99 in the subframe standards 86 canbe tightened to clamp the subframe 85 in its vertical position withrespect to the main frame 18 of the machine.

Carried by the subframe 85 and on opposite sides of the upper millingcutter 60 is an elongate rearward holding roller 100 and an elongateforward holding roller 101, both of which are adapted to bear againstthe top 15 of a block B as it is passing through the cutter station Cand between the upper and lower rotatable milling cutters 60, 61. Therearward roller 100 is rotatably carried by arms 102 pivotally supportedon the subframe 85, there being a row of appropriate helical compressionsprings 103 bearing against the arms and against a member 104 fixed tothe frame 85 to urge the roller 100 downwardly and firmly against theupper surface 15 of the block. An arm extension 105 is provided thatcarries an adjustable stop 106 bearing against the frame 85 to limit theextent of downward movement of the arms and roller 100 in the absence ofa block B therebeneath. A similar arrangement is provided for theforward roller 101, the spring mechanism 103 urging its arms and theforward roller downwardly, shifting the latter to a slightly lowerposition that the rearward roller 100 because of the fact that the uppersurface 15 of the block has been milled away by the cutter 60 to someextent.

The rearward roller 100 and the foward roller 101 hold the blocks Bdownwardly against the bed rollers 19, clamping the blocks therebetween.Such clamping action, coupled with the clamping of the blocks betweenthe drive pads 13 and side support rollers 11, results in each blockbeing held firmly on all four of its sides as it passes between the twoparallel rotatable milling cutters 60, 61. This results in both theupper and lower faces 15, 16 of each block being milled simultaneouslyto the desired gauge and flatness. lf appropriate cutters are provided,as illustrated in the drawings, the longitudinal comers 66 of the blocksmay also be chamfered at the same time.

The top cutter 60 is adjustable to place its axis 69 in parallelrelation to the axis 70 of the bottom cutter. As disclosed, the topcutter supporting frame has side members at opposite sides of the topcutter, these side members being mounted at one end of the side memberson pivot pins 121 extending within suitable bores 122 in the outer frameportions 86 for the top cutter. Near the opposite end of the sidemembers 120, rotatable eccentrics 123 are mounted in frame slots 124, ashaft 125 extending from each eccentric and rotatable in a bearing 126in the outer frame member 86. The outer end 127 of each eccentric shaftmay be formed to receive a suitable adjusting tool for the purpose ofturning each eccentric 123 within its outer frame member 86 and its slot124. Clamp screws 128 extend through vertical slots 129 in the sides ofthe outer frame members 86 below the eccentrics 123, passing through theinner frame members 120. Tightening of these screws will secure theframe members 120, 86 together; whereas, their loosening will permitrotation of the eccentrics 123 for the purpose of pivoting the innerframe structure 120 on its pivot pins 121, thereby tilting the axis 69of the upper cutter from a non-parallel relation to the axis 70 ofrotation of the lower arbor and cutter td a parallel relationship;(-Tl'zimp screws 130 also extend through the outer side members 86 abovethe axis of the pivot pins 121, passing through openings 131 in theinner and outer side members 86, 120 and being threadedly secured to theinnermost portion of the supporting frame for the upper cutter.Tightening of these clamp screws will serve to secure the several frameportions to one another after the desired adjustment of the upper arboraxis with respect to the lower arbor axis has been effected. FIGS. 13,14 and 15 illustrate different rotary positions of the eccentrics todisclose the manner of upwardly tilting one side of the frames about thepivot pins 121, or downward movement or tilting of the frames about theaxis of the pivot pins.

The blocks B discharge or exit from the cutter station C between theupper and lower cutters 60, 61 onto the exit slide assembly S, the uppersurface of which is horizontal, lying in the same plane as the uppermostportion of the cylindrical periphery of the lower cutter 61. This exitslide assembly includes a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinalrails 151 disposed in longitudinal grooves 152 in a plate 153 that islongitudinally adjustable with respect to a laterally adjustable,horizontal plate 154, this last-mentioned plate resting upon alongitudinally and vertically shiftable base 155. The rails are retainedwithin their grooves 152 and secured to the longitudinally adjustableplate 153 by cap screws 156; whereas, the longitudinally adjustableplate 153 is secured to the laterally adjustable plate 154 by cap screws157 extending through the longitudinal slots 158 in the plate 153. Thelaterally adjustable plate 154 is shiftable transversely of the base andis releasably clamped in adjusted position by cap screws 159 extendingthrough elongate transverse slots 160 in the longitudinally adjustablebase. Tightening of the screws, when the desired positions of adjustmenthave been achieved, will secure the parts together in the desiredrelative positions.

The rails 151, longitudinally adjustable plate 153, and laterallyshiftable plate 154, and base 155 are movable vertically as a unit, soas to position the upper surfaces 150 of the rails in a horizontal planetangent to the periphery of the bottom cutter 61. To secure suchadjustment, the longitudinally shiftable base 155 is attached tolaterally spaced slides by screws 166, or the like, these slides havinglower surfaces 167 inclined in an upward and rearward direction towardthe location of the bottom cutter, such lower surface of each slidebearing upon a companion upper inclined surface 168 of a fixed base 169of the main frame 18 of the machine. The slides 165 have their upperportions received within grooves 170 in the longitudinally shiftablebase 155, their lateral motion being prevented by embracing side plates171 attached by screws 172, or the like, to the inclined fixed member169. As inclined adjusting screw 173 is rotatably mounted in astationary boss 174 affixed to the main frame 18, this screw beingthreadedly received in a bore 175 in the forward end of one of the slide165. A clamp screw 176 extends through a longitudinal slot 177 in theslide 165 and is threaded into the inclined fixed member 169. Looseningof the clamp screw 176 permits the adjusting screw 173 to beappropriately turned, which will move the entire exit slide assemblyalong the inclined plane 168 both longitudinally and vertically relativeto the bottom cutter 61. When appropriately vertically adjusted, so thatthe top surfaces 150 of the rails 151 lie in the desired horizontalplane, the clamp screw 176 is tightened. The plate 153 can then beshifted toward the bottom cutter 61, so that the rear ends of the railsare closely adjacent to the periphery of the cutter without touching it,as permitted by the rearward bottom inclined surfaces 180 of the rails,whereupon the clamp screws 157 are tightened to secure the longitudinaladjusting plate to the lateral adjusting plate 154. If lateraladjustment is required, the clamp screws 159 are loosened to permit suchaction to take place, whereupon they are retightened.

As described below, the rails 151 can be positioned variously across thelongitudinal adjusting plate 153, and the longitudinal adjusting plate153 placed in different lateral positions on the lateral adjusting plate154, to accommodate the blocks B of different widths. Thus, the rails151 are receivable within intermediate grooves 152a and also within endgrooves 152b, the rails being disposed in appropriate grooves andsecured therein by the fastening screws 156, depending upon the width ofblock B passing through the apparatus. Moreover, the longitudinaladjustable plate 153 can be shifted laterally of the laterallyadjustable plate by unthreading the clamp screws 157 from the laterallyadjustable plate and shifting the longitudinally adjustable platelaterally until the screws can be placed in another set of spacedthreaded holes in the laterally adjustable plate 154. As specificallydisclosed, the longitudinally adjustable plate 153 can occupy twodifferent lateral positions relative to the laterally adjustable plate,as determined by a locating key 191 disposed in a groove 192 in thelower side of the longitudinally adjustable plate and disposedselectively in one of the two grooves 193 disposed downwardly from thetop surface of the laterally adjustable plate. The key 191 is retainedin position on the longitudinally adjustable plate by one of the screws156 that secures an intermediate rail 151 to the top plate 153, thespacing between the lower plate grooves 193 corresponding to the spacingbe tween the adjacent threaded bores 190 in the plate 154, in which theclamp screws 157 are to be selectively disposed. With the arrangementdescribed, the rails 151 can be variously spaced from each other, thedistance between the outermost rails being variable. In addition, thelocation of the rails can be changed by the lateral position of a plate153 with respect to the plate 154.

It is again to be noted that the top cutter 60 has its axis 69 lying ina vertical plane disposed forwardly of the vertical plane passingthrough the axis 70 of the lower cutter 61. Accordingly, the lowersurface 16 of the block B will move onto the rails 151 at the commencement of the cutting operation of the top cutter 60 on the topsurface 15 of each block, and as the block continues to move in theforward direction, the forward spring-loaded member 101 will engage theupper finished surface 15 and retain the block firmly against the rails151, the block still being moved forwardly by the drive pads 13 and withits sides 14, 12 still being firmly engaged between the drive pads andthe side support rollers 11. As disclosed most clearly in clearly inFIGS. 5a, 5b, the finished blocks B will move from the exit rails 151onto horizontal support rollers 19a extending in a forward direction toan appropriate location at which the blocks can be unloaded from theapparatus.

The cutters 60, 61 are preferably of the diamond-set type, and,specifically, may be of the type illustrated and described in US. Pat.No. 3,196,585, in which all of its diamond cutting elements collectivelycan operate upon the full surface area of the block B being faced; thatis, the top cutter 60 will perform an appropriate milling action againstthe upper surface 15 of the block and the bottom cutter 61 against thelower surface 16 of the block.

In the use of the device, the blocks B are placed on the supportingrollers 19 at the rear of the apparatus and are pushed forwardly untilthey are gripped between the row of powered pads 13 and opposed supportrollers 15, which move the blocks toward the cutter station C where thetop face 15 of 'each block is contac'ted by the rearward spring-loadedroller 100 which holds the block firmly in contact with the bottomsupporting rollers 19. As each block moves between the upper and lowercutters 60, 61, it is held on all four sides, both faces l5, 16 beingmilled simultaneously to the desired gauge. If the cutters are the sameas the shape specifically illustrated, the longitudinal corners 66 ofeach block as chamfered or bevelled at the same time. The finished blockis discharged onto the exit slide rails 151, where the forwardspring-pressed roller 101 contacts the upper finished face 15 of theblock and holds it firmly against the rails, the driving pads 13 and theopposed support rollers 11 continuing to bear against the sides 14, 12of the block, insuring its forward movement off the slides 151 onto thedischarge or exit horizontally disposed rollers 19a.

The blocks are continuously fed forwardly with the opposed faces 15, 16of each block being simultaneously milled or shaped. All that isnecessary to do is to place the blocks B on the rollers 19 at the rearof the machine and remove them from the discharge rollers 19b. It isunnecessary to use sliding or reciprocating tables or drag chains, suchapparatus being intermittent in operation. In the present case, theblocks are fed continuously and make a single pass through the apparatusto cut the opposed surfaces on each block. The production rate isgreatly increased, as compared with prior apparatus, the surface finishon each block being within the required specifications. The dimensionsof each block are consistent, particularly through use of thediamond-set cutters of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,196,585.

The apparatus is readily adjustable to accommodate blocks of differentheights and widths by adjusting the position of the side support rollers11 with respect to the row of drive pads 13, and by suitably adjustingthe vertical position of the top cutter 60 with respect to the bottomcutter 61. Moreover, the top cutter can be placed in a precise parallelrelation with respect to the bottom cutter, to insure the uniform heightof each finished block. Diamond-set cutters have a long life and arecapable of producing a great number of blocks to the desired surfacesmoothness and vertical height without wear, the resulting product beingwell within the desired tolerances.

Because of the accuracy with which the apparatus is capable of finishingthe top and bottom faces l5, 16 of each block, concrete masonry unitscan be rapidly and accurately laid in the usual fashion and readilyadhered to one another. This ,is due to the accuracy with which the topand bottom faces are milled, and the further fact that they are parallelto each other, the height of the block and theflatness of the facesbeing consistently precise. In building a wall, for example, if thestarting or foundation surface is not horizontal, it can be levelledinitially in a bed of conventional cement mortar. Of course, if it isinitially in a horizontal and flat condition, this step becomesunnecessary. The concrete blocks, which have been precisely dimensionedthrough use of the apparatus described, can be laid in rows with nofurther levelling, a thin bead of an adhesive, such as an adhesivemortar, forming an appropriate and tenacious bond between adjacentcoarses of the concrete blocks. The thin adhesive, which can actually beconstituted by nothing more than a relatively thin film of an epoxyresin, will insure the production of a strong monolithic wall structure.If it is desired to produce shadow lines or to simulate a mortar joint,the top and bottom cutters employed can produce the bevels 66 along thehorizontal edges of the blocks.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for facing blocks: a supporting bed to receive theblocks with one face of the blocks resting on said supporting bed; acutter station at the forward portion of said bed and including one ormore cutters for cutting one or more faces of each block; an elongateendless drive member having adjacent drive pads thereon for engaging oneside of each block other than said one face to transmit the drive forceof said drive member and pads to said one side and feed the blocksforwardly along the bed and across said one or more cutters, whereby acutting action is performed on one or more faces of each block; astationary uninterrupted elongate guide rail disposed parallel to thedirection of feed of the blocks and engaged by said drive member andalong which said drive member is movable to support said drive memberand pads for movement in a fixed plane while said pads are engaged withsaid one side of each block; support means for engaging the side of eachblock opposite said one side to maintain the blocks in drivingengagement with said pads as said drive member and pads feed the blocksforwardly along the bed and across said one or more cutters; and meanssupporting said support means in another fixed plane for engagement withthe opposite side of each block, whereby each block is clamped betweensaid pads and support means.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and exit means forwardly of saidcutter station for supporting the blocks during their passage'throughthe cutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the sides of the blocks.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said pads and support meansto perform a cutting action on such opposite faces.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said supporting bed,drive member and pads and support means are each elongate tosimultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed such blockssuccessively toward andv through said cutter station.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said drive means andsupport means to perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; saidsupporting bed, drive member and pads and support means each beingelongate to simultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed suchblocks successively toward and through said cutter station.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim I; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said pads and support meansto perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; said supporting bed,drive member and pads and support means each being elongate tosimultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed such blockssuccessively toward and through said cutter station; and exit meansforwardly of said cutter station and separate from said supporting bedfor supporting the blocks during their passage through the cutterstation and with said pads and support means continuing their engagementwith the sides of the blocks.

7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said pads and support meanshaving elastomer surfaces engaging the sides of each block to grip eachblock between said drive means and support means.

8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said pads and support meansto perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; said supporting bed,drive member and pads and support means each being elongate tosimultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed such blockssuccessively toward and through said cutter station; said pads andsupport means having elastomer surfaces engaging the sides of each blockto grip each block between said pads and support means; said supportingbed having an elastomer surface engaging and gripping each block.

9. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said pads and support meansto perform-a cutting action on such opposite faces; said supporting bed,drive member and pads and support means each being elongate tosimultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed such blockssuccessively toward and through said cutter station; said pads andsupport means having elastomer surfaces engaging the sides of each blockto grip each block between said pads and support means; said supportingbed having an elastomer surface engaging and gripping each block; andexit means forwardly of said cutter station and separate from saidsupporting bed for supporting the blocks during their passage throughthe cutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the sides of the blocks.

10. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said drive member includingrollers engaging and rolling along said rail as said drive member movesalong said rail.

11. In apparatus for facing blocks: an elongate lower supporting bedengageable by the bottom faces of blocks placed thereon; a cutterstation at the forward portion of said bed including one or more cuttersfor cutting one or more horizontal faces of each block; an elongatedrive member having adjacent vertical drive pads thereon for engaging afirst vertical side of each block to transmit the driving force of saiddrive member and pads to said first side and feed the blocks forwardlyalong the bed and across said one or more cutters, whereby a cuttingaction is performed on one or more horizontal faces of each block; astationary uninterrupted elongate guide rail disposed parallel to thedirection of feed of the blocks and engaged by said drive member andalong which said drive member is movable to support said drive memberand pads for movement in a fixed vertical plane while said pads areengaging the first side of each block; elongate support means forengaging a second vertical side of each block opposite said first sideto maintain the blocks in driving engagement with said pads as saiddrive member and pads feed the blocks forwardly along the bed and acrosssaid one or more cutters; and means supporting said support means inanother fixed vertical plane for engagement with the opposite side ofeach block, whereby said block is clamped between said pads and supportmeans.

12. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces.

13. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; and exit means forwardly ofsaid cutter station for supporting the blocks during their passagethrough the cutter station and with said pads and support meanscontinuing their engagement with the vertical sides of the blocks.

14. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; and exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the sides of the blocks.

15. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; said supporting bed including arow of adjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of theblocks rest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallelsupport rollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said secondvertical side of each block.

16. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; and exit means forwardly of said cutter station andseparate from said supporting bed for supporting the blocks during theirpassage through the cutter station and with said pads and support meanscontinuing their engagement with the vertical sides of the blocks.

17. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station forsupporting the blocks during their passage through the cutter stationand with said pads and support means continuing their engagement withthe vertical sides of the blocks; and means engageable with the top faceof each block during its passage between said opposed cutters to holdthe blocks downwardly against said bed rollers and exit means.

18. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station forsupporting the blocks during their passage through the cutter stationand with said pads and support means continuing their engagement withthe vertical sides of the blocks; and spring-pressed roller meansrearwardly and forwardly of said top cutter and engageable with the topface of each block during its passage between said opposed cutters tohold the blocks downwardly against said bed rollers and exit means.

19. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said cutters being rotatable abouthorizontal axes transversely of the direction of feed of the blocks; theaxis of said top cutter being disposed forwardly of the axis of saidbottom cutter.

20. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; and means foradjusting said exit means horizontally to and from said bottom cutterand vertically with respect thereto.

21. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; and means foradjusting said exit means to and from said bottom cutter and laterallyof the direction of feed of the blocks as well as vertically withrespect to said bottom cutter.

22. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said cutters being rotatable abouthorizontal axes transversely of the direction of feed of action on suchfaces; saidsupporting bed including a row of adjacent parallel bedrollers on which the bottom faces of the blocks rest; said support meansincluding a row of adjacent parallel support rollers rotatable aboutvertical axes and engaging said second vertical side of each block; exitmeans forwardly of said cutter station for supporting the blocks duringtheir passage through the cutter station and with said pads and supportmeans continuing their engagement with the vertical sides of the blocks;means for shifting said row of support rollers horizontally relative tosaid drive member and pads to vary the horizontal distance therebetween;said cutters being rotatable about horizontal axes transversely of thedirection of feed of the blocks.

24. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said suport means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station forsupporting the blocks during their passage through the cutter stationand with said pads and support means continuing their engagement withthe vertical sides of the blocks; means for shifting said row of supportrollers horizontally relative to said drive member and pads to vary thehorizontal distance therebetween; said cutters being rotatable abouthorizontal axes transversely of the direction of feed of the blocks; andmeans for adjusting said exit means horizontally to and from said bottomcutter and vertically with respect thereto.

25. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station forsupporting the blocks during their passage through the cutter stationand with said pads and support means continuing their engagement withthe vertical sides of the blocks; means for shifting said row of supportrollers horizontally relative to said drive member and pads to vary thehorizontal distance therebetween; said cutters being rotatable abouthorizontal axes transversely of the direction of feed of the blocks; andmeans for adjusting said exit means to and from said bottom cutter andvertically with respect thereto; the axis of said top cutter beingdisposed forwardly of the axis of said bottom cutter.

26. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; said drive member includingrollers engaging and rolling along said rail as said drive member movesalong said rail.

27. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said drive member comprisingchain links, said pads being affixed to said links.

28. In apparatus as defined in claim ll; said drive member comprisingchain links, said pads being affixed to said links.

1. In apparatus for facing blocks: a supporting bed to receive theblocks with one face of the blocks resting on said supporting bed; acutter station at the forward portion of said bed and including one ormore cutters for cutting one or more faces of each block; an elongateendless drive member having adjacent drive pads thereon for engaging oneside of each block other than said one face to transmit the drive forceof said drive member and pads to said one side and feed the blocksforwardly along the bed and across said one or more cutters, whereby acutting action is performed on one or more faces of each block; astationary uninterrupted elongate guide rail disposed parallel to thedirection of feed of the blocks and engaged by said drive member andalong which said drive member is movable to support said drive memberand pads for movement in a fixed plane while said pads are engaged withsaid one side of each block; support means for engaging the side of eachblock opposite said one side to maintain the blocks in drivingengagement with said pads as said drive member and pads feed the blocksforwardly along the bed and across said one or more cutters; and meanssupporting said support means in another fixed plane for engagement withthe opposite side of each block, whereby each block is clamped betweensaid pads and support means.
 2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; andexit means forwardly of said cutter station for supporting the blocksduring their passage through the cutter station and with said pads andsupport means continuing their engagement with the sides of the blocks.3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engaging oppositefaces of each block which are not engaged by said pads and support meansto perform a cutting action on such opposite faces.
 4. In apparatus asdefined in claim 1; wherein said supporting bed, drive member and padsand support means are each elongate to simultaneously engage a pluralityof blocks and feed such blocks successively toward and through saidcutter station.
 5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said oneor more cutters comprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneouslyengaging opposite faces of each block which are not engaged by saiddrive means and support means to perform a cutting action on suchopposite faces; said supporting bed, drive member and pads and supportmeans each being elongate to simultaneously engage a plurality of blocksand feed such blocks successively toward and through said cutterstation.
 6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engagingopposite Faces of each block which are not engaged by said pads andsupport means to perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; saidsupporting bed, drive member and pads and support means each beingelongate to simultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed suchblocks successively toward and through said cutter station; and exitmeans forwardly of said cutter station and separate from said supportingbed for supporting the blocks during their passage through the cutterstation and with said pads and support means continuing their engagementwith the sides of the blocks.
 7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1;said pads and support means having elastomer surfaces engaging the sidesof each block to grip each block between said drive means and supportmeans.
 8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engagingopposite faces of each block which are not engaged by said pads andsupport means to perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; saidsupporting bed, drive member and pads and support means each beingelongate to simultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed suchblocks successively toward and through said cutter station; said padsand support means having elastomer surfaces engaging the sides of eachblock to grip each block between said pads and support means; saidsupporting bed having an elastomer surface engaging and gripping eachblock.
 9. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed cutters substantially simultaneously engagingopposite faces of each block which are not engaged by said pads andsupport means to perform a cutting action on such opposite faces; saidsupporting bed, drive member and pads and support means each beingelongate to simultaneously engage a plurality of blocks and feed suchblocks successively toward and through said cutter station; said padsand support means having elastomer surfaces engaging the sides of eachblock to grip each block between said pads and support means; saidsupporting bed having an elastomer surface engaging and gripping eachblock; and exit means forwardly of said cutter station and separate fromsaid supporting bed for supporting the blocks during their passagethrough the cutter station and with said pads and support meanscontinuing their engagement with the sides of the blocks.
 10. Inapparatus as defined in claim 1; said drive member including rollersengaging and rolling along said rail as said drive member moves alongsaid rail.
 11. In apparatus for facing blocks: an elongate lowersupporting bed engageable by the bottom faces of blocks placed thereon;a cutter station at the forward portion of said bed including one ormore cutters for cutting one or more horizontal faces of each block; anelongate drive member having adjacent vertical drive pads thereon forengaging a first vertical side of each block to transmit the drivingforce of said drive member and pads to said first side and feed theblocks forwardly along the bed and across said one or more cutters,whereby a cutting action is performed on one or more horizontal faces ofeach block; a stationary uninterrupted elongate guide rail disposedparallel to the direction of feed of the blocks and engaged by saiddrive member and along which said drive member is movable to supportsaid drive member and pads for movement in a fixed vertical plane whilesaid pads are engaging the first side of each block; elongate supportmeans for engaging a second vertical side of each block opposite saidfirst side to maintain the blocks in driving engagement with said padsas said drive member and pads feed the blocks forwardly along the bedand across said one or more cutters; and means supporting said supportmeans in another fixed vertical plane for engagement with the oppositeside of each block, whereby said block is clamped between said pads andsupport means.
 12. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereiN said oneor more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneouslyengaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block toperform a cutting action on such faces.
 13. In apparatus as defined inclaim 11; and exit means forwardly of said cutter station for supportingthe blocks during their passage through the cutter station and with saidpads and support means continuing their engagement with the verticalsides of the blocks.
 14. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereinsaid one or more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutterssimultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of eachblock to perform a cutting action on such faces; and exit meansforwardly of said cutter station for supporting the blocks during theirpassage through the cutter station and with said pads and support meanscontinuing their engagement with the sides of the blocks.
 15. Inapparatus as defined in claim 11; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block.
 16. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereinsaid one or more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutterssimultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of eachblock to perform a cutting action on such faces; said supporting bedincluding a row of adjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottomfaces of the blocks rest; said support means including a row of adjacentparallel support rollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging saidsecond vertical side of each block; and exit means forwardly of saidcutter station and separate from said supporting bed for supporting theblocks during their passage through the cutter station and with saidpads and support means continuing their engagement with the verticalsides of the blocks.
 17. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereinsaid one or more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutterssimultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of eachblock to perform a cutting action on such faces; said supporting bedincluding a row of adjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottomfaces of the blocks rest; said support means including a row of adjacentparallel support rollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging saidsecond vertical side of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; and means engageablewith the top face of each block during its passage between said opposedcutters to hold the blocks downwardly against said bed rollers and exitmeans.
 18. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; said supporting bed including a row ofadjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocksrest; said support means including a row of adjacent parallel supportrollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second verticalside of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station forsupporting the blocks during their passage through the cutter stationand with said pads and support means continuing their engagement withthe vertical sides of the blocks; and spring-pressed roller meansrearwardly and forwardly of said top cutter and engageable with the topface of each block during its passage between said opposed cutters tohold the blocks downwardly against said bed rollers and exit means. 19.In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engaging the topand bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform a cuttingaction on such faces; said cutters being rotatable about horizontal axestransversely of the direction of feed of the blocks; the axis of saidtop cutter being disposed forwardly of the axis of said bottom cutter.20. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or morecutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engagingthe top and bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform acutting action on such faces; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; and means foradjusting said exit means horizontally to and from said bottom cutterand vertically with respect thereto.
 21. In apparatus as defined inclaim 11; wherein said one or more cutters comprise opposed top andbottom cutters simultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces,respectively, of each block to perform a cutting action on such faces;exit means forwardly of said cutter station for supporting the blocksduring their passage through the cutter station and with said pads andsupport means continuing their engagement with the vertical sides of theblocks; and means for adjusting said exit means to and from said bottomcutter and laterally of the direction of feed of the blocks as well asvertically with respect to said bottom cutter.
 22. In apparatus asdefined in claim 11; wherein said one or more cutters comprise opposedtop and bottom cutters simultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces,respectively, of each block to perform a cutting action on such faces;said cutters being rotatable about horizontal axes transversely of thedirection of feed of the blocks; and means for tilting said top cutterwith respect to said bottom cutter to adjust the axes of said cuttersparallel to each other.
 23. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereinsaid one or more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutterssimultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of eachblock to perform a cutting action on such faces; said supporting bedincluding a row of adjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottomfaces of the blocks rest; said support means including a row of adjacentparallel support rollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging saidsecond vertical side of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; means for shiftingsaid row of support rollers horizontally relative to said drive memberand pads to vary the horizontal distance therebetween; said cuttersbeing rotatable about horizontal axes transversely of the direction offeed of the blocks.
 24. In apparatus as defined in claim 11; whereinsaid one or more cutters comprise opposed top and bottom cutterssimultaneously engaging the top and bottom faces, respectively, of eachblock to perform a cutting action on such faces; said supporting bedincluding a row of adjacent parallel bed rollers on which the bottomfaces of the blocks rest; said suport means including a row of adjacentparallel support rollers rotatable about vertical axes and engaging saidsecond vertical side of each block; exit means forwardly of said cutterstation for supporting the blocks during their passage through thecutter station and with said pads and support means continuing theirengagement with the vertical sides of the blocks; means for shiftingsaid row of support rollers horizontally relative to said drive memberand pads to vary the horizontal distance therebetween; said cuttersbeing rotatable about horizontal axes transversely of the direction offeed of the blocks; and means for adjusting said exit means horizontallyto and from said bottom cutter and vertically with respect thereto. 25.In apparatus as defined in claim 11; wherein said one or more cutterscomprise opposed top and bottom cutters simultaneously engaging the topand bottom faces, respectively, of each block to perform a cuttingaction on such faces; said supporting bed including a row of adjacentparallel bed rollers on which the bottom faces of the blocks rest; saidsupport means including a row of adjacent parallel support rollersrotatable about vertical axes and engaging said second vertical side ofeach block; exit means forwardly of said cutter station for supportingthe blocks during their passage through the cutter station and with saidpads and support means continuing their engagement with the verticalsides of the blocks; means for shifting said row of support rollershorizontally relative to said drive member and pads to vary thehorizontal distance therebetween; said cutters being rotatable abouthorizontal axes transversely of the direction of feed of the blocks; andmeans for adjusting said exit means to and from said bottom cutter andvertically with respect thereto; the axis of said top cutter beingdisposed forwardly of the axis of said bottom cutter.
 26. In apparatusas defined in claim 11; said drive member including rollers engaging androlling along said rail as said drive member moves along said rail. 27.In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said drive member comprising chainlinks, said pads being affixed to said links.
 28. In apparatus asdefined in claim 11; said drive member comprising chain links, said padsbeing affixed to said links.
 29. In apparatus as defined in claim 1;said drive member comprising chain links, said pads being affixed tosaid links; rollers mounted on said links and engaging and rolling alongsaid rail as said links move along said rail.
 30. In apparatus asdefined in claim 11; said drive member comprising chain links, said padsbeing affixed to said links; rollers mounted on said links and engagingand rolling along said rail as said links move along said rail.